The function of the transmission oil cooler
The transmission oil cooler is usually a cooling tube placed in the water outlet chamber of the radiator, where the coolant cools the transmission oil flowing through the cooling tube. Connect the transmission and the cooler with a metal tube or rubber hose.
On high-performance and high-power enhanced engines, due to the large heat load, an oil cooler must be installed. The oil cooler is arranged in the lubricating oil circuit and its working principle is the same as that of the radiator. Engine oil coolers are divided into two types: air-cooled and water-cooled. Cars equipped with automatic transmissions must be fitted with transmission oil coolers because the oil in the automatic transmission may overheat. Excessive engine oil can reduce the performance of the transmission and even cause damage to it. The transmission oil cooler is usually a cooling tube placed in the water outlet chamber of the radiator, where the coolant cools the transmission oil flowing through the cooling tube.
Damage to the transmission oil cooler can lead to the following main problems:
High temperature of the transmission
The failure of the cooler will cause the transmission fluid to be unable to dissipate heat effectively. If the temperature remains above 120℃ for a long time, it will destroy the friction of the ATF fluid, accelerate the wear of internal components, generate abnormal noise and form sludge, and then cause driving problems such as jerks and shocks.
Oil and water mix or leak
If the cooler isolation is damaged, the antifreeze may mix with the transmission oil, resulting in abnormal oil quality (appearing milky white or turbid). In severe cases, it may cause a drop in hydraulic system pressure, aging of sealing materials and leakage problems.
Alarm system triggered
The transmission control system of some high-end models may trigger an alarm due to abnormal temperature and restrict the gear shifting or acceleration functions. If not dealt with in time, it may lead to the complete failure of the transmission.
Long-term hidden dangers
Continuous high temperatures will accelerate the aging of the internal rubber seal, resulting in insufficient hydraulic pressure. Sludge accumulation may clog the oil passage and affect the lifespan of the transmission.
The replacement cycle of transmission coolant is generally two years or 40,000 kilometers, but it needs to be adjusted according to the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations, the type of transmission and driving conditions.
Standard replacement cycle and influencing factors
Youdaoplaceholder0 Basic cycle : For most models, it is recommended to replace it every two years or 40,000 kilometers, while for some models, it can be extended to three years or 60,000 kilometers.
Youdaoplaceholder0 transmission type differences :
Dry dual-clutch: 40,000 to 60,000 kilometers.
Wet dual-clutch: 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers.
AT/CVT: 40,000-100,000 kilometers.
Youdaoplaceholder0 driving conditions affect :
Traffic congestion or violent driving: Shortened to 40,000 to 50,000 kilometers.
Gentle driving: Can approach the upper limit cycle.
Operation suggestions
First, refer to the vehicle maintenance manual or consult the customer service of the original equipment manufacturer.
Regularly check the condition of the oil. If there is any jerky gear shifting, abnormal fuel consumption or turbid oil, it should be replaced immediately.
When changing, choose the original factory-certified oil and avoid mixing different brands.
The damage of the transmission cooler is a major issue. If not dealt with promptly, it may lead to the scrapping of the transmission, cause serious malfunctions, and result in high maintenance costs. Youdaoplaceholder0 cooler failure can trigger a series of chain reactions such as high temperature of the transmission, deterioration of oil quality, and failure of seals, ultimately threatening the lifespan of the transmission and driving safety.
The severity and consequences of the damage
The damage of the transmission cooler will directly lead to the failure of the heat dissipation function, causing the following serious consequences
Youdaoplaceholder0 High temperature damages transmission fluid (ATF fluid) : An increase in temperature will destroy the lubricating performance of ATF fluid, increase internal friction and wear, generate abnormal noise, and accelerate the formation of sludge, resulting in gear shifting jerks and shock.
Youdaoplaceholder0 Sealing system failure : When the temperature exceeds 120°C, the rubber sealing material will harden and age, resulting in poor sealing and leakage, which in turn reduces the efficiency of the hydraulic system and affects power transmission.
Youdaoplaceholder0 transmission failure : Continuous high temperatures may cause the transmission to slip, further raising the temperature (high-end models will trigger the protection mode), eventually leading to complete failure or scrapping of the transmission.
Typical fault symptoms
When a vehicle shows the following symptoms, it may indicate that the transmission cooler is damaged:
Youdaoplaceholder0 Abnormal gear shifting : the engine stalls when shifting into gear or there is a significant shock sensation during gear shifting, which is manifested as severe vibration of the vehicle body.
Youdaoplaceholder0 Driving problems : There is a rustling noise during driving, weak acceleration, and even the vehicle cannot move normally.
Youdaoplaceholder0 Performance degradation : frequent jerking, shock sensation, and power transmission interruption caused by reduced hydraulic pressure.
Necessity of maintenance and suggestions
Youdaoplaceholder0 must be repaired immediately : cooler failure can trigger a chain reaction. Delaying repair may cause the transmission damage to escalate from minor wear to major overhaul or replacement, with a significant increase in cost.
Youdaoplaceholder0 Preventive measures : Regularly check the condition of the transmission fluid and the cooling system, and avoid driving for long periods in high-temperature environments to reduce the risk of failure.
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